St Mary's Church

Today's the day .......................... for a tonic

When you've been feeling a bit under the weather, what you need is something to raise your spirits.  And if that takes the form of a day of bright sunshine and blue skies spent in the good company of Paula and Gordon - then so much the better. 

We went out for lunch to the wonderful Larch Cottage Nurseries at Melkinthorpe.  It was our first visit there, but I'm sure it won't be our last.  Then it was on to St Mary's Church at Wreay.  This unique and most unusual church was commissioned and designed by Sarah Losh of Woodside.  Sarah was born in 1785 into a prominent Cumberland family.  She had remarkable talents and was educated far beyond the reach of her own sex and indeed of most men. In 1815, along with her sister, Katharine, she went on the ‘Grand Tour’ of France, Germany and Italy where her interest in architecture was awakened. 

When in 1840 the old church in Wreay fell into disrepair, Sarah stepped in, donating a piece of land and sufficient funds for the building of a new church on condition that there should be no restrictions on the form that it should take. She brought all her artistry, devotion and scientific interests to bear in St Mary’s, enriching it with symbolic ornament and carvings. The decorative arrows seen here are a reference to a family friend, Major William Thain, who was killed in the Afghan war of 1842.  

There was just time to return to Paula and Gordon's for tea and cake - and more chat - before we followed the setting sun back home.  We've had such a lovely relaxed day that has just passed in a flash.  Thanks to both of you for looking after us so well - we're definitely on the mend now .............................